The Orsini Bride

Chapter 2: The Charity Ball

The highest exercise of charity is charity towards the uncharitable.

-J. S. Buckminster

Francesca Marcolini's POV

I stood proudly at the ballroom in one of the famous five-star hotels here in Rome as I watched the people mingle around. They all came from the cream of Italian society supporting the charity event for the orphan children here in Italy.

It was a success, I thought smugly. I couldn't help but feel proud that I am one of the organizers of the event. My late husband was a strong supporter of charities and since we began dating I got involved in such an affair.

Now, six years after his tragic death, I dedicated myself to different charities here in Italy to continue his legacy. I hope tonight's event will be successful. I hope we'll acquire enough money for the orphans in the asylum...

"Congratulations, Francesca." An an-all-too-familiar male voice drawled behind me, so much for my luck tonight. I should have known that he's coming to this event. "I'm proud of you."

So what choice do I have then to face him? I placed a regal smile on my face as I looked at my nemesis. "Buonasera, Signore."

Satisfaction flashed on the depth of his dark eyes as if he knew that he was the last person I wanted to talk with tonight. But then again, he will never let the opportunity pass not ruining my night. I knew it based on experience in the past.

"How are you, mia regina di ghiaccio." He asked, running his bold gazed appreciatively on my body. I silently screamed at his audacious stare. "You look...fabulous."

I could swear that he was mentally undressing me, then I happened to notice the venomous glare the blond woman on his arm shot at me. I think she's a supermodel with a red show-stopping gown and those chandelier earrings and necklace studded with diamonds. It was enough to blind me when they were caught in the lights.

I smiled kindly at her as I asked this womanizing devil the question that would put him on the hot seat. "Is she your bride-to-be?" I asked in saccharine sweetness. "How rude of you not to introduce us."

The blond supermodel's face broke into a million-dollar smile as she gazed adoringly to her date while the devil merely paled.

Serves you right, I thought silently as I hid my smile.

"Darling," He said to his beautiful date. "I thought I saw your friends there a while ago. Why don't you join them for a while?"

"But—"

"I will join you later." He said resolutely, which the woman in his arms reluctantly removed her hand on his arm and drifted away from where her friends located. Once she was out of sight Marco Orsini glared at me impertinently. "Now, Francesca, that was rude."

"I, rude?" I scoffed.

"Yes. You are." He answered conceitedly. "You gave her wrong ideas."

"But I thought she's your fiancée," I told him innocently, though I only said that to annoy him. "You arrived with her so I assume..."

"Why would I still send you flowers and gifts at your office this past week asking for your help if I already found my bride-to-be that nonno would approve of?"

Oh, yes. Those flowers and gifts he constantly sent to my office along with cards asking to help him with his dilemma. At first, my secretary thought that I have a suitor but then I explained to her that my nemesis was just annoying me.